refinery

noun

re·​fin·​ery ri-ˈfī-nə-rē How to pronounce refinery (audio)
-ˈfīn-rē
plural refineries
: a building and equipment for refining or processing something (such as oil or sugar)

Examples of refinery in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ongoing strikes and counterstrikes on Persian Gulf refineries, pipelines, gas fields and tanker terminals threaten to the prolong the global economic pain for months, even years. ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026 Starting at midnight March 19, union employees picketed near the Whiting refinery after BP initiated a lockout as the company and union still haven’t come to a contract agreement. Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026 Iran has targeted oil refineries and shipment centers across the Gulf. Ezgi Canpolat, The Conversation, 27 Mar. 2026 Using existing refineries to make graphite The first pathway relies on the same machines that petroleum refineries already use. Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for refinery

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1741, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of refinery was circa 1741

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Cite this Entry

“Refinery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refinery. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

refinery

noun
re·​fin·​ery ri-ˈfīn-(ə-)rē How to pronounce refinery (audio)
plural refineries
: a building and equipment for refining metals, oil, or sugar

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